As its name implies, this farmhouse cheese comes from the high plains of Langres in the province of Champagne, France. In the same family as Epoisses, Munster and Livarot, this "stinky" cheese is one of our favorites. It is a small cheese, weighing in at only 180 grams (about 6.4 ounces). Its shape is that of a cylinder with a dent on top, called the fontaine. The dent is the result of the cheese not being turned as it matures, making the cheese settle in the center. This depression is intentional, as it forms a basin into which Champagne or marc (a French brandy that is made from the residue that remains after grapes have been pressed to make Champagne) may be poured. Buy some Langres and some bubbly and you can enjoy this traditional combination at home!

Langres has an orange colored rind (produced by annatto coloring) and a creamy, pale yellow interior. A bit salty, Langres is a complex and supple cheese that melts in the mouth.